Intermittent ticking then clacking of an injector (solved)

[rallydiesel]

Well, not really. You need a vise to split the injector halves. And it would really suck to have a injector shim fall down a sewer. 

[BigVWman]

and a really good clean area to be reassembling the injector in! I like the dining room

[ORCoaster]

Going to flip the injector in the deep 27 mm socket connected to the breaker bar.  Then use an open end on the flats of the upper portion.  I do park within shim rolling distance of the sewer so I best take this part of the operation inside.  But not on the dining room table.  More like the coffee table.  Efficiency apartment setup.  Not exactly your uncles shop but I think I would at least be able to find a piece of rubber hose if it was in there. 


thanks guys. DAS

[theman53]

My IDI started to smoke more at the cold start up and clack a little louder, I just thought it was the cold and the injectors have almost 40,000 miles on them...it turned out #3 precup fell into the cylinder. I couldn't even tell as it just seemed a shade different. The last trip it did seem a bit down on power, but I had just swapped a n/a pump for my TD one.

I don't want to scare you, but just give you something to look for if the injector isn't it. Also if the injector is it, it maybe putting a lot of stress on that precup. I hope it is not.

[R.O.R-2.0]

My IDI started to smoke more at the cold start up and clack a little louder, I just thought it was the cold and the injectors have almost 40,000 miles on them...it turned out #3 precup fell into the cylinder. I couldn't even tell as it just seemed a shade different. The last trip it did seem a bit down on power, but I had just swapped a n/a pump for my TD one.

I don't want to scare you, but just give you something to look for if the injector isn't it. Also if the injector is it, it maybe putting a lot of stress on that precup. I hope it is not.

yup, could be a precup rattling, trying to break free and destroy your engine..

[rallydiesel]

My IDI started to smoke more at the cold start up and clack a little louder, I just thought it was the cold and the injectors have almost 40,000 miles on them...it turned out #3 precup fell into the cylinder. I couldn't even tell as it just seemed a shade different. The last trip it did seem a bit down on power, but I had just swapped a n/a pump for my TD one.

I don't want to scare you, but just give you something to look for if the injector isn't it. Also if the injector is it, it maybe putting a lot of stress on that precup. I hope it is not.

could be a precup rattling, trying to break free and destroy your engine..

Ummm, did you actually read the first sentence completely before posting?

[R.O.R-2.0]

yup, long time ago..

"What causes fuel injectors to tick?"

why are you even asking if i read anything? i dont get it..

[ORCoaster]

Not MY first sentence.  The one in the quote that TMan says he had #3 cyl. drop a pre cup into his engine.  That sentence, a bit of a run on but still clearly within the first .   .

[burn_your_money]

First, I would swap injectors around. If the problem follows the injector, it's the injector. If it doesn't, it's the pump or the engine.

You can not take the injector apart in the street with a flashlight and expect to find something. The piece of dirt would likely be microscopic that is holding the needle, if that even is the problem. Also, if there is ANY rust on the injector, even anything that looks like rust, by taking it apart you are increasing the likelihood of creating a bigger problem. Bring the injector to the diesel shop and ask them to test it. It probably won't cost you a penny. While they are testing it, if they pump really hard they will/can flush out the injector and that might fix your problem. I'm not trying to rain on your parade but opening up the injector is probably just going to cause you headaches.

[R.O.R-2.0]

Not MY first sentence.  The one in the quote that TMan says he had #3 cyl. drop a pre cup into his engine.  That sentence, a bit of a run on but still clearly within the first .   .

i was more just confirming the possibility of what he said.. not re-iterating it, or repeating it..

[ORCoaster]

B_Y_M  I would have to drive said vehicle to the shop across town with the clacking all the way.  Which may have to happen if initial investigation proves not to find anything.  I don't have a spare injector just to swap in there.  Perhaps that is something I should think about as I look through the Craig list ads for auto parts.

Have time tonight to look into this, with or without the flashlight.  Even dug out my 10X lens.

[R.O.R-2.0]

B_Y_M  I would have to drive said vehicle to the shop across town with the clacking all the way.  Which may have to happen if initial investigation proves not to find anything.  I don't have a spare injector just to swap in there.  Perhaps that is something I should think about as I look through the Craig list ads for auto parts.

Have time tonight to look into this, with or without the flashlight.  Even dug out my 10X lens.

if you need a working injector, i have a few sets that i pulled from running/decent sounding engines.. there not new by any means, but they work..

[ORCoaster]

I need to be road worthy by Friday noon.  So I will see what I can do to solve this nasty occurance of fate tonight.  If I come up scratching my head I may need to take time off from work and run up to the Diesel folks, and get the injector tested and repaired.  But I think having the spare is a good option.  Thanks for the offer.  Can you deliver like the pizza guy. 

Ah not necessary.  We can do a PM and solve the logistics. 

[ORCoaster]

Well when you're good you're good and when you're not you're like me.

I did manage to get the injector apart.  Yes far enough from the sewer that dropping parts was not an issue.  Put it all back together and ran it for a few miles up and down the road.  No more clacking at just off idle.  Have to see how this holds on the 4+ hr drive home.

Thanks for the feedback,  will try some purge and continue with the ATF in the fuel and hope someday to meet up with R.O.R. for a spare injector and a good time. 

DAS

[burn_your_money]

Good to hear it was a success